The James Logan Courier

By Kimmai Nguyen, Courier Staff Writer

James Logan High School was recently provided with safety buckets for use as toilets in case of emergency situations.

Rhonda Neagle, Logan's vice principal of operations, arranged the purchase of the kits. As some may know, Newark Memorial High School had a lockdown a few months ago; during the debriefing, administration from schools discussed the actions taken during the lockdown. A popular recommendation was a "bathroom kit", under the premise that, sooner or later, people would need to use the bathroom during the unpredictable length of the emergency.

There have not been any recent emergencies Logan but Neagle said, "We're trying to be productive and ready for intruders and life-threatening situations."

These kits were purchased by the district using money from a Safe and Drug Free Schools grant and cost about $47 each, according to Neagle. Every classroom has one and the offices are in the process of receiving them. The kits are provided by Your Safety Place in Dublin, California. Packaged in a 5-gallon container includes:

30 Datrex water pouches (4.225oz)
3 3600-Calorie Survival food bars
1 Emergency Mylar Blanket
2 AA-cell Alkaline Batteries
1 AM/FM radio with headphones
1 Sanitary Wet Wipes (100-Box)
2 T-5 Toilet Sanitation Chemical
1 Toilet Paper Roll
1 Bucket Toilet Seat Accessory
1 Plastic Whistle with Lanyard
1 Roll of Duct Tape

During the demonstration, Neagle explained the reason behind calling it the bathroom kit. The bucket itself is the where people that need to use the restroom would relieve themselves during an emergency.

Senior Jessica Raj said, "It would be so embarrassing to take a crap or something in front of your class. I don't think I could do it, even during a lock down."

When asked if she would use it, Neagle said, "Given the situation, yes. The fear of being embarrassed is thrown out the window."

In dire situations, the thought of privacy amongst one's peers is no longer available. Along with the equipped toilet, the most necessary item in the bucket are food bars, which have a five-year shelf life. These bars do not look appetizing, but it does the job for students who are hungry.

The length of lockdowns is highly unpredictable and can last for hours, but with these kits the school can care for themselves in school while actions are being done outside of the school.